Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, December 15, launched the first direct flight from Mombasa to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking during the launch, Gachagua said the new flight route by Kenya Airways to the popular destination in the Middle East saying it would boost tourism in the region and safeguard millions of jobs in the coastal city.
“The launch of this flight marks yet another initiative of sustaining millions of jobs in the tourism sector in the Coast region. By connecting the Kenyan Coast to the Middle East, the travel time is effectively reduced, thereby making Kenya one of the most attractive destinations for the Middle East holidayers,” Gachagua stated.
While challenging the national carrier to be more innovative as it faces increasing competition from other airlines, the DP said the government would continue to offer the carrier support until it is fully back on its feet.
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“We are aware of the various challenges the airline continues to face. The Kenya Kwanza Administration is determined to support the airline regain its full pride,” he said.
The opening of the Mombasa airport to direct international flights followed requests from local leaders who had pushed for them for a long time saying they would boost the coastal city's tourism sector.
He also cited the return of key port operations to Mombasa as among the issues the government had acted on immediately when it came into office in September.
The DP was accompanied by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Tourism and Wildlife counterpart Penina Malonza.
"This is a dream that has come true for the Ministry of Tourism. This will open our coastal line to tourists from the Middle East, Asia and Europe," said Malonza.
